E-SPLOST AND T-SPLOST SPECIAL ELECTION SET FOR MARCH 19

Published 6-6-2019By Jim Wheeless

A special election with two referendums will be held Tuesday, March 19, one, on extending the current one cent Education Special Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) for another five years and two, a new one cent Transportation Special Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST). If voters approve to continue the E-SPLOST, the Upson County School Board will use the one penny tax to help fund public education. The one penny sales tax will be used to pay for school construction, equipment, and to retire school debt but it cannot be used to pay operating expenses, such as salaries and utilities. The revenue collection will be for a five-year period and collections are estimated at $15 million. The E-SPLOST estimated expenditures provided by the school board is based on the following projects: textbooks $200,000, student furniture $1.000,000, technology & communications equipment $3,000,000, security & safety $500,000, buses/maintenance & SRO vehicles $750,000, schoolwide HVAC $500,000, facility/grounds maintenance/kitchen equip $250,000, painting & flooring $750,000, athletic/fine arts/P.E. improvements $2,250,000, paving $500,000, playground upgrades, $200,000, building upgrades $5,100,000. The E-SPLOST allows everyone to share in funding education by paying a penny from every dollar spent in Upson County to help fund education. The Upson County Board of Commissioners are asking voters to approve a new one cent T-SPLOST for funding capital outlay projects for construction, renovation, improvements, and resurfacing of road, streets, sidewalks, bicycle paths and bridges. It is projected the T-SPLOST will generate approx. $15 million with Upson County receiving $9.5 million, the City of Thomaston receiving $7.3 million and the City Yatesville receiving $170,000. If approve collections will begin July 1, 2019 and will terminate after five years or when collections exceed $17 million. The board of commissioner have not provided specific transportation projects for the T-SPLOST other than a broad outline of capital outlay transportation projects. A capital outlay is money the county spends to either purchase or to extend the useful life of machinery, land, facilities and equipment. The ballot to be used in the election for the T-SPLOST reads: Yes ____ No ____ Shall a special one percent (1 percent) sales and use tax be imposed in the special district of Upson County for a period of time not to exceed five years and for the raising of not more than an estimated amount of $17,000,000 for transportation purposes? If the imposition of the tax is approved by the voters, such vote shall also constitute approval of the issuance of general obligation debt of Upson County, in the principal amount of up to $6,000,000 for the above purposes. Currently, the total sales tax in Upson County is 7 percent. For example, if you go into a retail establishment and purchased an item, that business will collect a 7 percent sales tax on the cost of the item. Of that 7 percent sales tax, most of that tax (4 percent) leaves the county and goes to the State of Georgia. The remaining 3 percent are referred to as “local pennies” – meaning that the revenue from this 3 percent portion of the sales tax remains here in Upson County. This three percent is broken out into the following three ways: one percent SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), one percent LOST (Local Option Sales Tax), and one percent E-SPLOST (Education-Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax). If voters approve the T-SPLOST an additional one percent sales tax will be added for a total sales tax rate of 8 percent. The E-SPLOST and the T-SPLOST programs represents a way for funding projects, which would otherwise be funded by property taxes. As a one-cent sales tax, money is raised for county improvements anytime an item is purchased in Upson County - by residents or by visitors to the county. This means that non-residents will pay a sizable portion of the total tax. The advantage is this tax is not an imposed tax but a tax the voter can decide if it will be. The decision is yours, choose wisely.

board of commissioners create embrace excellence initiatives

Published 2-27-2019By Jim Wheeless The Board of Commissioners recently held a two-day work retreat where they identified and prioritized current issues for the county, conducted several county leadership input sessions, and drafted a plan entitled 2019-2020 Upson County embrace excellence initiatives. The plan is developed around five priority areas: public services, quality of life/community sustainability, future facility needs, financial sustainability and internal services. For each of these five priority areas over 25 action items were identified, both short-term and midterm items and implementation will begin immediately. In 2018, Upson County updated its comprehensive plan to meet the goals of a growing community. Along with the service delivery strategy agreement (update pending), both documents contain blueprints for serving current residents while accommodating future growth through investing in infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and balancing future development with rural and greenspace preservation. County leaders recognized the importance of identifying priorities based on limited resources and immediate need and they desired a clearly defined short-term action plan with realistic goals and objectives consistent with achieving identified work priorities.Action Items by Category Public Services Public Services

Increase citizen engagement through enhanced outreach efforts

Review and make recommendation for position dedicated to community awareness and public engagement (180)

Review and make recommendations for future Employee’s Retirement Plan (90)

Implement Personnel Performance Management Plan (90)

County courthouse in need of new roof

Published 2-20-2019By Jim Wheeless Upson County Commissioners voted to move forward with the first phase of having a new roof installed on the courthouse. According to County Manager Jason Tinsley, the discussion of the new roof was held at a recent workshop and bids were received from Precision Planning and Raymond Engineering. The design and engineering of the new roof comes with a cost of $84,750. A total cost for the new roof including the design and engineering is estimated at approximately $700k. Chairman Allen says SPLOST funds are available for the roofing project but that some road paving projects may have to be put on hold. The choice of roofing materials will affect the total cost of the project and the Board plans to hold a public hearing for input into the type of roofing material that could be used. Commissioner James Ellington stated the courthouse is a historical center point of Thomaston and there is no choice but to complete the project. This administration and previous administrations have continually patched the leaks and patching has not fixed the problem. It is time for a new roof with a detailed warranty. The roofing project is expected to take approximately eight weeks and could start as early as June. The project will displace several offices located in the courthouse as well as the court system. The Board is looking for temporary locations for relocating these offices and a suitable facility to support the court system. According to Allen discuss of alternatives will be underway with affected office managers and with Superior Court Judge Chris Edwards.

upson historical society donates $6K to the thomaston-upson archives

Published 2-13-2019Each year the Upson Historical Society (UHS) donates $6k for the Thomas ton Upson Archives budget. The check is presented by UHS President Joe Gazafy. The donation goes toward operational needs such as preservation supplies, security, ensuring a climate controlled environment, etc. The Archives os a vital resource to the area and through community support it will be sure to preserve and protect our heritage for generations to come.

planning & Zoning denies re-zoning request

A packed house at the Planning & Zoning meeting.

Published 1-30-2019By Jim Wheeless A public hearing was held to review a re-zoning request from property owner James F, Fortner for his property located at 1409 County Road. Currently the property is zoned A-R (Agriculture- Residential and the application is to re-zone to M-2 (Manufacturing-General. Fortner purchased the property in 2013 and has operated a trucking, towing, and diesel repair business since that time. According to Fortner he was told at the property closing by his attorney the property was commercial and he has paid commercial taxes each year. Some on the audience said the county should owe Fortner a tax refund but according to the Tax Assessor office property is evaluated on what the property is used for. Commercial property and residential property pay taxes at the same millage rate and since this property has been used as a commercial business by Fortner he has paid taxes based on the property being use as a commercial business. The property is located in the Potato Creek Heights (PCH) area and resident of PCH filled the meeting room until there was standing room only. A number of the PCH resident signed to speak at the public hearing mostly voicing concerns about the property being junky and this being located at the entrance of the neighborhood is was a blight to their property. The residents were not there to put him out of business but they wanted the property cleaned up and requested a fence be installed. Fortner explained the junk trucks are used for parts to repair customers equipment and he is willing to install a fence and he said the flyers being circulated to residents that he wanted the re-zoning for a junk and debris site was false. According to Doug Currier, Building & Zoning Director, the zoning laws were passed in 1995 with most property zoned AR and that included Fortner’s property. Currier presented the planning and zoning board an over view of the property and gave a staff recommendation for denial of the zoning request. The biggest reason for the denial were: Almost all this property lies within the floodplain, specifically along the Potato Creek, which is the water supply of the City of Thomaston. Planning and Zoning commissioner Sam Baity expressed his concern with a truck repair business with possible oil and other contaminants leaking into the soil being located so close to Potato Creek. The board voted unanimously to deny the re-zoning request. Fortner’s next option is to request a public hearing with the Board of Commissioners.

expect t-splost vote in march

Published 1-30-2019By Jim Wheeless Upson County, the City of Thomaston and the City of Yatesville at separate meetings approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the governing authorities outlining the use and distribution of proceeds from a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales and Use Tax to be voted on March. With the IGA approved, the Board of Commissioners will call for a T-SPLOST referendum on March 19, 2019. If approved by the voters, it is anticipated that T-SPLOST collections will begin on July 1, 2019 and the T-SPLOST is limited to a five year period or until the end of the calendar quarter the Commissioner of the State of Georgia determines the tax has raised revenues sufficient to provide for the maximum amount of net proceeds specified to raised by the tax. At the end of five years, voters must approve an additional referendum for the tax to continue. House Bill 134, passed during the 2017 Georgia General Assembly, refined the Single County TSPLOST law as well as made adjustments to the Regional TSPLOST law. The legislation allows Single County TSPLOST to fund state transportation projects, permits more than one Single County TSPLOST to be levied at the same time as long as the amount does not exceed 1 percent and allows cities to bond their TSPLOST projects. Current sales tax in Upson County is 7 %. For example, if you went into a retail establishment here in the county and purchased an item, that business will collect a 7 % sales tax on the cost of the item. Of that 7 % sales tax, most of that tax (4 %) leaves the county and goes to the State of Georgia. The remaining 3 % sales taxes are referred to as “local pennies” – meaning that the revenue from this 3 % portion of the sales tax remains here in Upson County. This 3 % is broken out into the following three ways: SPLOST (or Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), 1%: LOST (or Local Option Sales Tax), 1%: and E-SPLOST (or Education-Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) 1%. If approved by the voters, the TSPLOST will add an additional 1% for a total sales tax of 8%.

rv registration & deadline March 11

Published 1-23-2019 The amnesty program which requires registration by those currently living in RV’s that is titled and registered in the owner-occupants name is fast approaching the March 11, deadline. RV owners-occupants not registered by the March11 deadline will not be eligible to register and will be subject to enforcement action for illegally living in an RV. Those renting the RV that they are living in are not eligible for the program. Upson County does not permit establishing or maintaining one’s resident in a RV. Ordinance No. 266 outlining this program was adopted by the Board of Commissioners October 9, 2018 A Transitional Residential Recreational Vehicle (TRRV) program allows owner occupants who register with the County to continue to live in their RV until such time the RV is moved from its registered location, the RV is sold or otherwise changes hands or the registered owner-owner moves from the RV. You can register through the Upson County Building and Zoning Department located at 305 S. Hightower Street, Suite D-100 in the Drake Building. The Office hours are 8 am. to 5 pm. except weekends and holidays. If you have questions about the program contact the B&Z Department at 706-647-1297. Registering for the program includes completing an application form, providing a copy of the RV’s registration and/or title, a photo ID and the RV passing inspection. The fee for the initial registration and annual renewal is $25 per year and annual renewal is required. Decals will be issued and must be attached to the rear of the RV.

city council approves 2019 budget

Includes step increase for employeesPublished 1-2-2019By Jim Wheeless

City Manager Russell Thompson presented the 2019 budget to the City Council in the amount $27,941,803 million. This is an increase of $130,682 over the 2018 budget and the General Fund Budget of 7,850,392 is an increase of $281,000. The Council unanimously approved the budget including a 1.25% ($65,000) step increase for employees and a $20,000 Department Head Salary and Benefit Consideration. Health insurance had 5% increased of $29,500 and other insurance had an 11% increased of $23,591. The approved 2019 budget contains a 1 mil a tax increase however the 2018 budget contain a 1.5 mil tax increase but the Council did not have to raise the millage rate this year. Mayor J.D Stallings is confident that the tax increase will not be necessary. The millage rates are usually set in August of each year. The amount budgeted for road paving is $230,000 and with $260,000 budgeted for water system improvements, mostly at Lake Thomaston. These are the two biggest items in this year’s budget. Councilman Ryan Tucker was happy that the 2019 budget does not include using major dollars from the reserve fund. In 2018 $993,000 was transferred with only $215,000 targeted for 2019. Councilman Tucker said city hall has been using too much of its reserve to balance its budgets. Police Chief Mike Richardson made a presentation of the promotion of Officer Derrick Little to Corporal. Chief Richardson said Officer Little has been with the Police Department for approximately two years and had work very hard to complete the courses required for the promotion. Corporal Little’s father, Lieutenant Jeff Little, pinned the new corporal badge on his son. Lieutenant Little has been with the Police Department approximately 24 years. Council approved minor changes to the sign ordinance for R1 zone, the FOG ordinance and approved a change order of $22,000 to Georgia Asphalt for the LMIG paving project on B Street and County Road. Appointment of a new member to the Industrial Development Authority was tabled by the Council until the January meeting. Mayor Stallings has been talking with a prospect. The January regular scheduled meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 7, at noon.

jqc suspends superior court judge robert "mac" crawford

Published 1-2-2019By Jim Wheeless

In April of 2018 news was released of Griffin Judicial Circuit Judge Robert “Mac” Crawford being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The investigation stemmed from allegations that Judge Crawford directed the Pike County Clerk of Superior Court to write him a check that exceeded $15,000 from the registry of the court and he stands accused of depositing it into his personal checking account. At that time Judge Crawford voluntarily disqualified himself from all pending and future criminal cases to include civil forfeitures in all four counties in the circuit until further order. In October the Pike County grand jury indicted Judge Crawford for the alleged theft of $15,675 in court funds. Following a criminal probe by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a prosecutor from the state Attorney General’s Office requested the grand jury to indict Judge Crawford on one count of theft by taking and one count of violation of oath by a public official. The three-member hearing panel of the state Judicial Qualifications Commission notified Judge Crawford that he was formally suspended until further notice. The suspension was the second effort by the JQC to remove Crawford from the bench until his scheduled ethics trial in January. The JQC’s investigative panel asked the state high court to suspend Crawford while ethics charges against him were still pending but the Georgia Supreme Court rejected by a unanimous vote the request to suspend Judge Crawford from the Griffin Judicial Circuit. At that time Judge Crawford remained on the bench, although he has disqualified himself from hearing criminal cases and state child support cases. Under the JQC’s rules the hearing panel has the authority to suspend Judge Crawford without the high court’s approval. The three member hearing panel that handed out the suspension is Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Robert McBurney, Cobb County Police Mike Register and Atlanta Attorney Jamala McFadden. Judge Crawford is suspended until after his ethics trial scheduled in January 20109. The Judicial Qualifications Commission was created by Constitutional Amendment in 1972, and then reconstituted by Constitutional Amendment in 2016, to conduct investigations and hearings with respect to complaints of ethical misconduct by Georgia judges. The Commission is also authorized to issue Advisory Opinions regarding judicial misconduct. The Commission is comprised of 10 members. Seven members serve on the Investigative Panel and three members serve on the Hearing Panel. The Investigative Panel is responsible for investigating and prosecuting allegations of judicial misconduct. The Hearing Panel is primarily responsible for adjudicating hearings when the Investigative Panel brings such charges of misconduct. Judge Crawford may petition the hearing panel to lift the suspension. The rules, which track language in the state Constitution, also bar the commission’s findings or records regarding a suspension from being admitted as evidence in court and also dictate that they not be made available to the public. Council for Judge Crawford has countered the allegations by declaring the funds in question are legal fees that have been owed to Crawford for 16 years from a case that originated in 2002 and the funds were properly received by Judge Crawford. Once the JQC inquired into the payment, Judge Crawford returned the funds and the Pike County Clerk forwarded the m to the State of Georgia, Department of Revenue as abandoned funds. Judge Crawford is claiming a right to the funds and he has filed a petition in the Probate Court of Pike County with the intention to make a claim for attorney’s fees against the estate and to have the funds paid over to him by the State of Georgia.” Judge Crawford is a former state legislator who once headed Georgia’s public defender system, and presided over cases in Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties.

tsplost set for march ballot

Published 12-5-2018 The first joint meeting of the Thomaston Mayor and City Council, Upson County Commissioners, and City of Yatesville council regarding the call for the referendum of a one cent sales tax Transportation SPLOST set for the Mar. 19 ballot was held early last week. The five year TSPLOST has been estimated by officials to generate over $3 million annually, and total $16 million at its conclusion. Allocation of funds for the TSPLOST were reportedly $160,000 to the City of Yatesville, $6.88 million to the city of Thomaston, and $8.96 million to Upson County. Projects that fall under the specifications of the TSPLOST referendum include acquisition, construction, renovation, relocation of utilities, and improvement of surface water drainage, patching, levelling, milling, widening, shoulder prep, and other repairs necessary for the preservation of roads, streets, bridges, sidewalks, and bicycle paths. Several projects were brought to attention by the city of Yatesville Council that would gain priority in the event the TSPLOST was passed in March. These projects included overflown culverts, problems with the patching of roads because of issues with the antiquated water system in the city, and issues where roads have simply been patched with gravel. In regards to the county, BOC Chairman Norman Allen noted, “As we talk about our need, I think once people realize when you have 505 roads and around 420 miles of pavement, you just don’t get there doing six to eight miles a year… It’s difficult. We have to do it. We have to pave the roads.”

Groundbreaking achievements in 2019 county budget

Published 12-5-2018 The Upson County Board of Commissioners approved the 2019 general fund budget by unanimous vote in last week’s regular meeting, and were eager to report a handful of landmark achievements realized within the document. According to BOC Chairman Norman Allen, “The bottom-line was $16,473,455, which represents a 4.7% decrease over last year’s budget. That’s $810,000 less than last year.” This dramatic decrease stems from a decision facilitated by the board to seek out a different company responsible for the management of retirement benefits of county employees. Allen claimed, “A lot of what we’re seeing here is primarily due to the change in the employee pension plan. That was a huge decision this board made. We didn’t touch the benefits, but we just changed providers. In essence, that was a $1 million decision.” In order to eliminate the dual role currently undertaken by the Upson facilities director, the 2019 plan will include an $80,009 allotment for the hiring of a certified building official. Additionally, a $50,000 reserve was set aside for tourism development interests. In regard to the reserve, County Manager Jason Tinsley claimed, “During the work session we had a lengthy discussion about different initiatives ranging from things that may stem from the chamber’s efforts to try to do some cohesive branding for the community, and some things that might also come out of Community Heart & Soul.” The completion of the 2019 budget also marks the first time in decades county officials expect to avoid the use of tax anticipation notes (TANs) to operate the county’s government. This comes as a result of unwavering success by Tax Commissioner Andy Chastain’s office in the collection of approximately $1.4 million in delinquent taxes for 2018. District One Commissioner Lorenzo Wilder stressed the capacity of this accomplishment by claiming, “The fact that we don’t anticipate using the TANs this year, that saves the taxpayers in the county over $50,000 per year in interest that we do not have to worry about paying.”

Published 12-5-2018 The Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority approved a bond resolution during last week’s regularly scheduled meeting for the issuance of a $12 million bond to Standard Textile. According to IDA Attorney Joel Bentley, “The IDA was approached last month by Standard Textile, they love to come in at the end of the year and they want to invest approximately $12 million in their personal property infrastructure in the Thomaston-Upson County plants.” The Cincinnati-based manufacturer has committed to the creation of 30 jobs over a three-year period at the Thomaston facility if the proposed bond is completed. Standard maintains a proven track record of job creation following bond issuance in Thomaston after exceeding projections for job creation in each bond issued since 2013. The firm was responsible for the creation of over 29 jobs through a $7 million bond issuance in 2013, and exceeded another projection by creating over 56 jobs following a $7 million issuance in 2016. Bentley claimed, “They have got some hires that they have made off of stuff that they just purchased that are not covered under any of their bond issues. They have agreed to keep and maintain that employment for the full eight-year period. They increase jobs for next year by seven jobs and increase jobs the next year by five.” The specifics of the IDA’s agreement with Standard Textile will require their compliance with their employment agreement in order to receive property tax abatement. Bentley noted, “We do not give them money up front. They have to go get it every year that they have that capital asset on the books and that they have those people employed. If they do, then they get full credit. If they do not, they pay more tax.”

NO LOCAL FUNDS AT RISK WITH IDA BOND UNDER COURT ORDER

Published 10-31-2018By Matt Sharpe A revenue bond inked between the Thomaston Upson IDA and Gordon Jensen Healthcare Association, Inc. in 2013 is one of 13 deals under court order by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The order is for nursing home kingpin Christopher Brogdon of Atlanta to pay more than $89 million in interest and principal owed to investors. No local funds are at risk according to the T-U IDA. “Bondholders have been paid so far and that the matter is in the courts. Christopher Brogden's involvement was hidden from the Authority, and no local funds are at risk since this was solely a revenue bond. The IDA’s Bond Counsel has kept us apprised to the situation and will continue to do so,” said IDA Executive Director Kyle Fletcher. According to the SEC, Brogdon deceived investors, co-mingling money that was supposed to be dedicated to specific projects and diverting funds to other business ventures and to family accounts. He is now under a court order to pay investors the interest and principal owed in 13 bond deals and six private placement offerings. The 2013 bond inked with the T-U IDA is one of those bond deals. SEC officials say Brogden used funds from the deals to fund his lavish lifestyle including homes in Atlanta and St. Simons, and a private plane worth $1.5 million. In addition to his nursing homes and assisted living businesses, he is part owner of the J. Christopher restaurant chain. The IDA agreed to enter into an agreement with Gordon Jensen Healthcare Association, Inc. for a $9.5 million dollar revenue bond in April of 2013. Financing of the bond was for 30 years at a fixed rate. The earnings from the nursing home would have been used to pay for the bonds. At the execution of the bond it was stated that all of the money would be used for Providence Nursing Home. According to the IDA, the conduit bond were not backed by the IDA or local government and allowed for the group to seek financing from other sources. At that time, the group was in the process of purchasing and upgrading the facility in Thomaston. Early estimates were in the range of $8.1 million. The remainder of the funds would be applied to fees and other necessities. During the meeting in 2013, IDA attorney Joel Bentley said the IDA board was approached by the group’s attorney in regards to the possibility of the IDA providing bond assistance for the purchase and rehabilitation of Providence Nursing Home. “This is a non-traditional IDA type bond,” said Bentley in 2013. “Typically our bonds are for purchases of additional equipment for an existing facility or for possibly assisting a facility to move here or relocate here for heavy industry.” He added while the bond was not for heavy industry, it was in the IDA’s charter where it could execute bonds for similar industries including the nursing home and healthcare industry. In 2013, representatives for the company said the bond would not exceed $9.5 million and it would be used to acquire and rehabilitate Providence Nursing Home located on South Green Street. The acquisition would preserve 90 jobs and create 10-15 jobs in the future, according to representatives. The 501C3 group did not ask for any tax breaks or special benefits and would pay ad-valorem taxes.

DART GRANT TO BENEFIT THOMASTON PARK SYSTEM

Dart Foundation presenting community representatives a $5,000 check to city officials.

Published 10-31-2018 The City of Thomaston has been named a recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Dart Foundation. The grant will be used for the purchase of park benches and trash receptacles throughout its park system. The City provides and maintains three parks and feature walking tracks, ponds, fountains, playgrounds, pavilions, and recreational activities. The addition of the benches and receptacles will enhance their current amenities, according to City Hall. “We are appreciative of the Dart Foundation’s generosity,” City administrative assistant Brandy Johnson. “The benches will give visitors an area to rest while walking, as well as a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of our spaces. We want to maintain that beauty and having additional receptacles will help us keep our parks clean and inviting.” The City is in the midst of purchasing the eight benches and four receptacles, with delivery and installation planned within the next few weeks. The Dart Foundation is a private family foundation established by Dart Container Corporation founder William A. Dart and his wife Claire T. Dart. The Foundation supports projects that enhance education, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, and those that improve the quality of life in specific communities, including Thomaston and the surrounding area.

City and County Meet To Finalize Joint Project Budgets

Published 10-17-2018 By Josh Gish A joint meeting of the City of Thomaston Mayor and Council and the County of Upson Board of Commissioners was held to discuss budgets pertaining to local joint projects last week. Representatives from the Thomaston-Upson Archives, airport, Senior Center, Heart & Soul Program, emergency agency, Industrial Development Authority, and the Recreation Department were all in attendance for the assembly. Thomaston-Upson Airport Director Mitch Ellerbee spoke of a balanced budget with no operating funds from the city and the county. Ellerbee also mentioned a project regarding corporate hangars which is set to break ground in the coming weeks. According to Ellerbee, “There are fewer young pilots than there used to be, and a lot of general aviation airports draw revenue from flight training. With that in mind, what we’ve done this year in order to work around those losses in revenues is to build three more corporate hangars… In fact, we should be breaking ground in the next couple of weeks. We have tenants in all of these hangars among our existing commercial tenants.” Airport officials report they have projected an additional $99,000 in revenues from the hangars in year one, and a surplus should be realized after paying down the seven-year note on the facility. Upson Senior Center Director Donna Auth presented the 2019 budget for the facility and spoke of several shortfalls in the realm of senior citizen food delivery. There are currently 29 senior citizens on the waiting list for home delivered meals due to a lack in reliable equipment and drivers essential to the food delivery process. Officials decided by unanimous vote to add $15,000 in salaries funds for additional deliver drivers, and $5,000 in the transportation account for the senior center to potentially provide a more efficient and reliable mode of transportation to deliver meals. Adjustments, in regard to the recreation department budget, were also discussed at length in an effort to address shortfalls in staffing, as well as managerial oversight. Recreation Department Director Mindy Daniel, spoke of adding an additional office staff member as well as an extra member to the maintenance staff. Although the addition to the civic center staff was tabled by officials at this point in time, there was talk of possibly resurrecting a Recreation Commission similar to the oversight provided through the Sprewell Bluff Advisory Committee. This could prove beneficial in increasing participation in youth leagues provided by the department as well as resolving issues brought up by the community regarding current athletic leagues. A presentation regarding the Industrial Development Authority was also conducted by the director of the initiative, Kyle Fletcher. The IDA’s budgeted amount for advertising and marketing in 2018 was $15,000, and has since doubled in 2019 due to an increase in feasibility studies carried out for retail and hotel recruitment. According to Fletcher, “You can’t just start asking people to bring a hotel here. What they need is a hotel feasibility study which provides data and analysis… As we move forward with retail I think we realize it’s going to cost money to do that. We put out a request for proposals for hotel feasibility studies and we got about 11 proposals back.” Jennifer Rogers was also in attendance as representative for the Thomaston-Upson Heart & Soul project. According to Greathouse, the initiative has received thousands of responses to data accumulation full of positive outlook for the community. In its first year of operation, the project has opened innumerable avenues for members of the community to give their voice in economic discussion, community events, feedback about law enforcement in the community, leadership, and a lot of discussion about Upson County’s future and youth.

RV ordinance clearsfinal hurdle

Published 10-17-2018By Matt Sharpe Upson County’s recreational vehicle ordinance cleared its final hurdle last week as county commissioners officially signed off on the updated law. Only an official sign-off on the ordinance by the county’s attorney would hold up the process. The ordinance was listed as one of the commission’s five goals of the year. Dialogue on an updated RV ordinance began more than a year ago with the county commission and Upson’s planning and zoning board. The P and Z board, along with its director Doug Currier, spent months gathering a plethora of information and data for the revised ordinance. In August, the P and Z board hosted a public hearing addressing a series of concerns from members of the community. Various representatives from recreational vehicle facilities across Upson County were given five minute time slots to voice their personal grievances and recommendations for the ordinance proposal moving forward. The most heavily concerning item of interest between members of the RV community and county officials dealt with how long a person could reside in a camper. Heading into the final phases of the ordinance, the maximum length being proposed that an individual could stay in a camper was 30 days. As part of the new ordinance, commissioners agreed to have the length of stay adjust to where an individual can now stay 180 days. That length of stay only applies to those staying in an RV parks and RV parks that are part of a manufactured home park. Other lengths of stays include:• RV camping on your own 5-acre minimum AR property – 30 days per year.• In an M-1 and M-2 zoning – time is determined by Special Exception.• Guest worker – 180 days with possibility of another 180 days.• Guest visitor in residential neighborhood – 30 days per year.• Home construction or medical hardship – time is determined by Special Exception.• Declared natural or man-made disasters – 12 months; extra time determined by the Board of Commissioners. Sprewell Bluff Park is exempt from having someone stay up t0 180 days. Another issue raised by RV parks dealt with the planning commission was the requirements one must meet in order to be “grandfathered in” to gain immunity from the enforcement methods brought forth by the new ordinance. Affected RV parks include the Flint River Outdoor Center, Hope of the Generations Church, Shenandoah Valley, Southern Comfort, and Sprewell Bluff. Based on the BOC’s report, only three Upson County RV facilities have undertaken the process of gaining special exception under the updated proposal. These parks include NorthRidge Church, Southern Comfort, and the Flint River Outdoor Center. Commissioners approved the revised ordinance with a unanimous vote.

Town Hall Explaining​ Property Valuation Held

Published 10-3-2018 By Josh Gish Tax officials held a town hall meeting at New Hope Baptist Church aimed at clearing up any questions citizens may have had regarding their 2018 tax notice. The event was hosted by Upson County District 2 County Commissioner James Ellington. Changes in property value assessments and the valuation process were discussed at length. Property owners may have realized their appraised land values took an upsurge in 2018 when compared to past years’ assessments, and the primary cause of these changes has been traced back to market volatility and a failure by previous appraisal staff to make the necessary adjustments. Upson County Tax Commissioner Andy Chastain commented, “As far as appraisal, I have to stay within certain guidelines. Your county commissioners have to stay within certain guidelines when it comes to taxation… myself, Charles’ (McKeehan) office, we want to be transparent and let everybody know what’s going on. Until I got in this position, I didn’t know how all the pieces fit together. I feel as taxpayers, you all need to know how it works.” Many questions have been raised in the community surrounding the sharp rise in property values for 2018, even if homeowners have made no alterations or improvement to their property. These changes were necessary as property values have since recovered from the financial crisis of 2008. Following the subprime mortgage crisis, each and every landowner should have realized a drastic decrease in the market value of real estate cumulatively. However, the negative trends of The Great Recession had shifted direction in Georgia by 2013 as the grand majority of housing markets on a county level began rising back towards equilibrium. According to Upson’s Chief Appraiser, Charles McKeehan, “In 2013, whoever was here at that point in time doing my job honestly should have taken a hard, hard look at the values and should have made a change right then and there. Then in ’14, ’15, and ’16 they should have done the same thing. Unfortunately, they did not.” Previous officials’ negligence of an improving market and their failure to adjust appraisal values accordingly left the adjustments noticed in the 2018 tax bill to arrive as an unpleasant surprise for some property owners. Appraised values countywide were reported in the town hall to have increased by approximately 20 percent. Local tax officials are mandated by regulators at the state level to calculate an assessed value of property in Upson County which is 40 percent of that property’s fair market value. This assessed value must coincide with the qualified market sales value of that property to a very specific ratio. State officials allow tax assessed values a variance of 10 percent above or below qualified market sales value to avoid reviews from state officials, and properties must be appraised within 5 percent of qualified market sales in order for Upson County to collect all public utilities revenue. McKeehan explained further, “This is important because if we do not collect all of that public utility money, guess who has to pay it? We do. It has to be paid, and it is paid through a millage increase or some other form… Between 2013 and 2017, approximately $180,000 - $200,000 per year was left uncollected in Upson County. It’s a sad fact that it was not collected. The reason it wasn’t collected? We weren’t within 5 percent of where we needed to be. Therefore, public utilities only had to pay what our ratio was.” Counties in Georgia face further consequences from the state for failing to adhere to the variance for two consecutive years. These penalties include dissolved access to state grants, as well as a $79,000 fine from the state of Georgia. Additionally, the state administered fine is billed on an annual basis until the values are corrected by the county’s tax assessor’s office. In regards to Upson County’s ratio, Chastain claimed, “Each county gets a sales ratio rating each year. In 2017, guess where Upson County was? Number two, the second lowest out of the state… Charles had to come in and fix something because back in 2014 when we had a review, we failed. We failed again in 2017 so he had to fix it. We were going to be fined $79,000 plus lose all that public utility money.” Several exemptions were also noted during the meeting including the $2,000 homestead exemption all property owners in the county are offered. Individuals 62 and older are eligible to apply for the L-3 exemption for a $15,000 break on the taxable value of your tax bill. Homeowners with disabilities are eligible for the L-7, L-8, and L-9 exemptions, while disabled veterans may also apply for further exemptions. All exemptions can be discussed at the Upson County Tax Assessor’s Office.

Planning and Zoning Board Updates Manufactured Home Standards

Published 9-26-2018By Josh Gish In its Sept. 10 meeting, the Upson County Planning & Zoning Board addressed necessary updates to Upson’s manufactured homes and trailers section of the Code of Ordinances. Upson County’s Ordinance No. 45 regarding manufactured homes and trailers was adopted on Jan. 22, 1994, but was abandoned by administration in 2002, along with several other orders in the official code. According to the new ordinance, manufactured homes and trailers will be eliminated from zones R1 and R2 in Upson County. The minimum roof width for manufactured homes designated under Class B will be 14 feet. Class B homes must also be constructed with a minimum roof pitch of 3:12. According to records of recent manufacturing history, the 14-foot minimum should not create a significant issue, as most manufactured homes registered in Upson County as of late have been constructed with roofs in excess of 24 feet in width. Regarding underpinning, the model ordinance had originally required porches on manufactured homes to be underpinned with the same material found under the home itself. However, this requirement was found to be overly restrictive by board members in last week’s meeting. It was concluded that any porch landing proving to be visible from the roadway should be skirted with decorative lattice or a similar material. This cost-saving adjustment was aimed toward enhancing the overall curb appeal of manufactured home properties by eliminating the previously mandated concrete or masonry underpinning for porch landings. Ventless heaters were also addressed by the updated ordinance, whereas board members decided the ordinance will indeed prohibit their use unless the heater was installed during the home’s original manufacturing. The alterations made to the manufactured home ordinance were approved by board members with a unanimous vote, and a public hearing regarding the matter has been slated for the October meeting.

IDA Evaluates​ Further Parcels for Pad-Ready Sites

Published 9-12-2018 By Josh Gish Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority members made strides during last week’s meeting in deciding on a suitable land parcel for development of a pad-ready site for potential industries to potentially invest in new manufacturing facilities in our area. Board members agreed to take proposals on a 23-acre site that could prove to be ideal for breaking ground on a pad ready site capable of providing a parcel of land equipped with electricity, water, sewage systems, and any foundational amenities prospective firms may expect from such developments. Two sites are being considered for a potential landing spot for a pad- ready site. One is in the Central Georgia Business and Technology Park, with the other site in the Thomaston Industrial Park. Talks on adding pad ready sites to the IDA’s inventory list began April. At that time it was said Upson County had seen an upswing of momentum over the past year with a handful of industries expanding to the area. IDA board members met in April to discuss moving forward on potential options for building the county’s inventory for industries. Three avenues to consider include purchasing additional land for sites, building pad ready sites on existing acreage owned by the IDA or building a new spec building. . The average size being sought after for Spec buildings is 100,000 square feet with at least 28 feet high ceilings. Companies are requesting floors not be installed so that it can be customized to the industries needs. Upson’s Spec building was 78,000 square feet with expansion capabilities up to 230,000 square feet. Golden Star of Kansas purchased the building last year and will be opening in the next few months. The building was built in 2004 and sat on the market for well more than a decade. In terms of having pad ready sites versus existing buildings state representatives said the requests change from year to year depending on what types of industries are expanding or opening. Feedback received from project managers to state officials suggested building a pad ready site with all permits in place so that it could be put in the list of Georgia Ready for Development (GRAD) sites and having a “soft landing” site is key to landing an industry right now. IDA director Kyle Fletcher said that through her talks with project manager across the state, advanced manufacturing has become very specific and most companies want to build to suit. Spec buildings on the other hand are best suited for logistics and warehousing. Information obtained for pad ready sites at 100,000 square feet, the cost for grading, permitting and construction is estimated at $281,000. The amount does not include storm drainage, permitting, or erosion control. For a 200,000 square feet sitethe price escalates to an estimated $1.5 million. Purchasing additional acreage for sites is also a possibility. If a potential purchase of 72 acres, combined with Golden Stars purchase of the Spec building, available land in the park is nearly cut in half. As far as looking at purchasing additional acreage, the authority will look at sites in the city and county either near the park or along the Hwy 19 corridor. A motion was made to take proposals on the site as well as compose several different soil samples in an effort to reveal any barriers that may prove to create an environment unsuitable for manufacturers. IDA Board Member and project manager, Steve Rush, reported his findings in several soil studies completed since the board decided to move forward with evaluating parcels for pad ready sites earlier this summer. Rush spoke of groundwater accumulation and water refusal in several locations, which could be issues caused from a significant rock fixture located underground. Board members also decided to contact CaterParrot Railnet to discuss plans of extending rail spurs on current properties to make it easier for manufacturers to load and unload railcars on the site in a matter which will not interfere with other railroad operations.

Changes to proposed RV ordinance to be discussed by BOC

Published 8-8-2018 By Matt Sharpe Upson County’s Board of Commissioners discuss an updated version of a proposed RV ordinance next week during the commission’s meeting set for Tuesday, Aug. 14. The meeting will be held at the Government Complex at 6 p.m. Anyone wishing to voice an opinion on the proposed updated version can do so by signing up prior to the meeting. Upson County Planning and Zoning officials have been diligently working to update the county’s recreational vehicles ordinance during the past few months. Recreational vehicles have been regulated minimally by Upson County since the adoption of the County Zoning Ordinance in 1995. Updating the ordinance will create additional standards for recreational vehicle use and storage to remedy situations where recreational vehicles are being used improperly and stored in improper places. According to information provided by Planning and Zoning Director Doug Currier, Upson County Board of Commissioners have, “determined that the proposed ordinance additions meet the required review standards and serve to enhance the public health, safety, morality or general welfare of Upson County.” Revisions to the ordinance are focused on providing definitions of recreational vehicles. Determining the definitions of recreational vehicles will include occupied recreation vehicles, parked recreational vehicles, recreational vehicle sites, and visitor and camper registry. An updated ordinance is expected to outline how temporary use of RVs in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts by special exception will be enforced. Upson’s current policy is that RVs are not considered to be suitable for permanent residential living, but for short-term vacations, itinerant travel, temporary emergency shelter and special circumstances for housing. The updated ordinance is expected to outline how RVs are expected to serve as a short-term guest housing on a residential lot for no more than 30 days a year and how RVs are to serve as a short-term residence in RV parks for documented work purposes for no more than 12 months in a 24-month period. The ordinance will create new standards for RV parks that will provide avenues for enforcement.

County agrees to roll back millage rate

Published 8-1-2018 By Matt Sharpe Upson County commissioners are in agreement to roll back the county’s millage rate. The announcement was made July 24 during the commission’s meeting at the Government Complex. Chairman Norman Allen said interim county manager Billy Beckett and finance director Wayne Sandefur looked over the rollback and were comfortable with recommended rollback rate from Tax Commissioner Andy Chastain. The county agreed to roll back the millage from 9.52 to 9.00. Even with the rollback, an increase in revenue is expected to be around the $238,000 mark for the county. Commissioners agreed unanimously agreed to set the countywide millage rate at 9.00. The Thomaston Upson School Board set a tentative 2018 property tax millage rate of 14.338 at a regular meeting held July 17. This is a rollback from the 2017 rate of 15.110 due to a property tax reassessment. Thomaston city council members agreed to roll back its millage rate earlier this month essentially keeping it the same rate as previous years. Last year’s city millage rate was set at 3.77 mills. A roll back in the rate will drop it to 3.56 mills. While the millage rate will be reduced to offset the drastic increased in adjusted property values, the amount being collected through the new rate will from a collection of $770,229 in 2017 to $775,896 for 2018. The county’s net digest is $616,149,587, a 10.5 percent increase. The school’s net digest is $599,230,661.00, a 10.7 percent increase. The city’s net digest is $217,863,074, a 6.6 increase.

Board of Education approves 2019 General Fund Budget

8-1-2018 by Jim Wheeless The Thomaston Upson Board of Education held a work session Tuesday June 26, with the major agenda item of approving the 2019 school year General Fund budget. The BOE unanimously approved the proposed budget with expenditures totaling $36,475,865 and expected revenues totaling $36,547,622. The largest portion of the revenues will be collected from federal and state taxes, with an estimated $8,600,808 collected from local property taxes. This year’s school tax millage rate dropped from 15.11 mills to 14.29 due to the recent property reassessments and the lower millage rate is pending approval of the final tax digest. The local property tax revenue was calculated based on the 14.29 millage rate and the estimate of one mill of tax collecting $601,876. In other business the board approved the Thomaston City Police Department to use the ULMS gym for their Annual Youth Basketball Tournament and approved a list of surplus equipment for the ULPS. The board adjourned to an executive session for the discussion of personnel.

Sixth Dollar General​approved for Upson

Published 5-30-2018 Upson County is set to receive another Dollar General following an approval by Upson’s planning and zoning board. A variance for the store was granted by the commission Monday, May 14. The location for the store will be at the corner of Hwy 36 and Technology Parkway, at the entrance of Upson County’s Central Georgia Business and Technology Park. The lot is owned by Donnie Tyler and is the site of TLC Lawn Care. The area is currently zoned a commercial lot, but due to a variance request, the issue had to be brought before the planning and zoning board. The issue dealt with Dollar General requesting a reduction in the number of parking spaces from 38 to 30. Each space will be nine and one-half feet wide instead of the nine feet wide requested. Zoning Director Doug Currier recommended denying the request due to it not meeting Upson County zoning ordinance guidelines. The project will move forward and does not require approval by the Upson County Commission. The building is expected to be an upgraded version due to it being at the corner of Upson’s industrial park and will be one of the smaller sizes Dollar General builds. Construction on the building is not expected to start until the end of the year, possibly at the beginning of 2019. This will be Dollar General Number six for Upson County.

​County’s financial position is solid and stable...says BOC Chairman

Upson County Chairman Norman Allen

Submitted by BOC Chairman Norman Allen​Published 3-14-2018 I am humbled to serve as your Chairman on the Upson County Board of Commissioners and want to take a moment to reflect on our community’s accomplishments for 2017. We are finalizing our 2017 finances, and I am happy to report that your county’s financial position is solid and stable. Responsible management of expenditures and deliberate collections of revenue resulted in an increase of $1.5 million in the year end General Fund balance for a total of $6.6 million. This increase is due in large part to diligent oversight of spending and higher than expected revenues. This commission began the year faced with a dramatic increase in county employee pension funding. We researched other opportunities and shifted management of the fund and realized an annual savings of approximately $600,000 with no reduction to employee benefits. Revenues are up by $329,000 due in large part to diligent efforts of Tax Commissioner Chastain and his staff. Judge McRae and her staff experienced a notable increase in activity within the Probate Office with revenues increasing by 45 percent compared to 2016. These are just some highlights. Putting this into perspective, consider that in 2014 the county had only $2.5 million in working capital, meaning there was not much of a reserve fund, our savings or “rainy day” account. I want to thank our previous commissioners and former manager, Jim Wheeless, for recognizing the need to begin building our reserve funds. Today we are in a position to dedicate funding to protect our county should something unforeseen or catastrophic occur. The Commission recognized the need to take action on the management of SPLOST project management and spending as several projects were considerably over budget. The Commission either had to pay back the SPLOST out of our general fund or identify other projects that were nearing completion and below budget allowing for the reallocation of funds from these completed projects. Today the management of SPLOST is overseen by the commission and the approval of expenditures is routinely handled at regular commission meetings. For the first time in years we realized a slight increase on the tax digest due to revaluation of properties and we adjusted the millage rate to prevent an increase in county tax. Periodic revaluations are required in order to maintain the mandated sales ratio; assessed values compared to actual sales. Most remember the drastic hit on our home values back in 2007; the good news is that values are on the rise. Please keep in mind that this does not mean an automatic increase in your property taxes. Earlier this year the Board set our priorities for 2018, items that we could get done and so that we could move on to other issues. Addressing the vacant county manager position is at the top of the list. Fortunately we successfully hired Mr. Billy Beckett to serve as our interim manager and to assist us in our search for a permanent manager. Mr. Beckett is a professional manager with over 40 years of government management. An invaluable leader and expert in county management, he has been of tremendous help and his contributions to Upson County are too numerous to list here. With his assistance the Board is actively seeking a new manager and we are optimistic we will have someone hired in the coming weeks. Other priorities included addressing the Sunday sales referendum which will be included on the May ballot; finalizing revisions to the recreation vehicle and poultry house ordinances; updating the ordinance and procedures for building permitting and inspections; and addressing the needs of our courts. Projects on our short-term list include continued efforts to expand sewer services along Highway 19 north of County Road, refinement of a business plan for Sprewell Bluff Park, consideration of a single county T-SPLOST to fund road improvement projects, and addressing problems with solid waste collections. Committed to cleaning up our communities the Board is looking at ways to address blight and neglected properties. Our code enforcement officer, Judge Streetman and Sheriff Kilgore are committed to this effort. Sheriff Kilgore has taken over the management of community service and has the teams out on the roadways collecting trash. To date, they have collected over 1,000 bags of trash. Much of our focus is aimed at ensuring economic growth, prosperity and responsible development for our community. We can all be quite proud of the efforts of the Industrial Development Authority, or as I prefer to call it the “Development Authority”. We have expanded the role of the Authority to include retail and commercial development along with the pursuit of industrial and manufacturing opportunities. It is exciting to see our newest industry, Golden Star, work to build out our spec building to meet their needs with the goal of becoming operational sometime this May. Other prospects are in the works and the new challenge we face is a lack of inventory of buildings for new businesses; something the Authority is addressing. Our existing industries are thriving and jobs are available throughout the community and region. Southern Crescent Technical College along with our local industries and school system continue partnerships focused on improving workforce skills. Our high school students have opportunities to enhance their own technical and personal skills through dual-enrollment programs. Anyone seeking to improve their and skills can do so through a multitude of programs. I encourage the use of our regional commission’s workforce development programs. Our Thomaston-Upson Heart & Soul program is in Phase One, and we’re excited to see more and more citizens volunteering to become a part of this program aimed at figuring out what matters most to our community. This program is best summarized – who are we and who do we want to be as a community? Involving everyone and sustaining a commitment to the work ahead are the other tenants of the Heart & Soul program. We are proud that we are the first community in Georgia selected for this program. We are fortunate to have Jennifer Rogers serving as our program coordinator. I ask that you commit to learning more about this program and become involved in our efforts charting a course for our community. I am happy to report that your Commission is committed to the work ahead, and I’m proud of the positive results we are seeing. Much of the success we are experiencing can be attributed to a renewed partnership between all of your elected bodies and officials. I am proud of the relationships and the true sense of teamwork we’ve established with each of our county’s constitutional officers. We’re committed to continually building upon the positive relationships between the county and the city knowing that we are in this together. We have our challenges and finding innovative ways to solve our problems and address our needs isn’t easy. Your Commission is dedicated to the task of focusing on long-term solutions through strategic planning and wise investment of resources. The “band aid approach” to problem solving does not provide for long-term solutions. It takes the commitment of each citizen and true investment in our future to really make a difference for ourselves and our generations to come. We thank you for your commitment and support.

​​​​​Projected Costs for public buildings exceed budgeted amounts

Published 2-28-2018 By Matt Sharpe Three government buildings will cost Upson County and the City of Thomaston a lot more than anticipated after bids were received on improvements to the sites. Upson County is looking to demolish its road department building and replace it with a metal building. The building, formerly the Public Works Building across from the old fairgrounds, will be torn down and replaced with a 50x75 metal building. Cost for the demolition was expected to be around $40,000 with high priority being given to the removal of asbestos and lead testing. The total cost for removal and replacement of the building was expected to be around $217,000. Unfortunately, the amount to remove the building and construct a new building is $93,000 more than anticipated. Interim County Manager Billy Becket updated commissioners Feb. 13 on the issue. Beckett said asbestos, lead paint, along with mold and mildew, will be a problem during demolition. Approximately $6,500 is needed to remove and legally dispose of the asbestos through an outside company. The lead paint will be disposed of at the Butler Landfill. The county has $150,000 set aside in SPLOST funds for the demolition and renovations Beckett proposed using funds set aside for renovations of the forestry building as a supplement for the additional needed funds. A total of $320,000 has been allocated for the forestry building, but according to Beckett, only $200,000 will be needed for the upgrades and renovations. The remaining funds will be used to cover the cost of the increases for the road department building. One week later, City Manager Russell Thompson updated councilmembers on two projects budgeted for this year; additional renovations on the Thomaston Police Department building and renovation of the armory building. McLeroy Construction of Zebulon turned in the lowest bids on both city projects. Bids for the TPD building came in at $229,700, roughly $53,000 over the amount allocated in the 2018 budget for the projects. Repairs included relocating the existing HVAC unit on the roof, adding a metal hip roof over the existing two story building, and repairing two original exterior walls. Bids received for renovations at the armory came in at $638,459, more than $338,000 over the city’s budgeted amount. The city is looking to relocate several of its departments to the building, including the electric, water, and parks and public spaces departments. In addition to upgrading the interior and exterior of the building, a 5,000-square-foot area is expected to be paved to connect the armory parking lot to an existing rear parking area. The council is expected to discuss the matter further during the council’s next meeting set for Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at the Government Complex.